To anyone who’s dropped out of university, I did too. You’re not the first and most definitely not the last. For some people, it’s a snap decision that feels right. They realise quite soon that university isn’t for them and they feel confident in that. It’s a great position to be in and I wish you all the luck with the next path you choose. But this letter is for the people who dropped out of university and are scared and confused. This is a letter to the people who feel as I did once.
A lot of schools make university seem like the natural next step in life. They push students into applying for a place at university or to immediately get a job. But this isn’t always the right decision. This can create low self-esteem, lack of confidence or fear of falling into the unknown. Not everyone is ready to make this decision so soon. It then pressurises students into deciding on a course and campus without giving it much thought. Sometimes it all clicks into place, but then sometimes, it just doesn’t. And that’s okay. I know the worries of feeling like you’ve failed in the next section of life, but know that, actually, it’s not a failure at all. It’s your decision to make, be confident in yourself.
University isn’t the only option after school. If you’ve dropped out of university, you may feel confused and lost. “What’s next? What do I do with my life now?” I felt that way too. But you have plenty of time to decide. If you have a vague plan, talk it through with someone first. See if you think it’s the right idea. If you have no idea at all, take a gap year. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to travel, you could get a part time job and just enjoy time with your friends and family. Or, yeah, go travel! There’s so much of the world to see. Other countries could inspire you, give you more options to explore. Nobody instantly knows exactly what they want to do in life after leaving school. Allow yourself time to think.
There could be many reasons for dropping out of university. But the biggest one is that you’re simply not ready. You may never be ready. You could fall into a job and get comfortable there. You might find an internship and work your way up. Or, perhaps, you take that year off as a simple break from education. It’s never too late to go back, and with a fresh outlook.
One of my biggest worries was, “What will I do now? How can I be successful without a degree?” Well, actually, a degree isn’t everything. It’s helpful sometimes, sure, but you don’t need one to become successful. You’ll find what you want to do and if it’s your passion, you’ll succeed regardless of your education. Passion is the drive you need to help you become successful, not a degree. Everyone has the opportunity for a better future, you just have to work your way to it.
The major reason I dropped out of university was my mental health. The pressure of going from one form of education, immediately into the next, fed my anxiety and I thought I couldn’t handle it. In reality, I just wasn’t ready. The same is said for other students too. Whether it’s pressure, the wrong course, personal issues or simply that being there makes you feel miserable, sometimes the stress of university is too overwhelming. Do not make yourself feel worse by staying there if it’s really making you that unhappy. Don’t make yourself ill because you think you have no other choice. If a decision will ultimately make you happier and healthier, then go with it! You are more important than a degree, so take care of yourself!
Just because the first time didn’t go so well, doesn’t mean that you can’t go back. I changed course, completed a Creative Writing course instead and couldn’t be happier. One simple change improved my life so much. The pressure of choosing a course can sometimes cloud your judgement and you pick the wrong one or choose the wrong university for you. Take a gap year to think it through. If you think that, yeah, you can do this, then try again! University is still an amazing experience and if you think it’s still an option then take your time and research before deciding. Go with your passion, not a quick, thoughtless decision.
Something a lot of employers will probably agree with, is that a degree isn’t experience. Although it is necessary in some careers, like in medicine, it is not always what employers look for. It can be helpful, of course, but if you decide to work your way up instead, then do it. There are apprenticeships, internships, you could even volunteer for a while. Experience comes in different forms and helps build confidence. Employers will be impressed and appreciative.
To anyone who is scared because they dropped out of university, don’t be. You haven’t failed at anything, only opened yourself up to new opportunities. It takes time, as anything does, but you’ll figure it out eventually. You’re not alone and have the drive and skills to accomplish anything you can think of. Put you and your needs first and give yourself a break. You’ve got this!
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